Obituary of Kenneth Edward Flynt

Kenneth Edward Flynt, age 75 of Greensboro, North Carolina went to his heavenly rest on June 19, 2023, after a courageous battle with cancer.  He passed peacefully at home with family.  Ken was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. Ken loved life and his smile brought sunshine to those around him. Successful in his own right, Ken took his greatest joy in helping others succeed.  He enjoyed nothing more than sharing a story and accomplishment of a child, grandchild, family member, student or friend.  He will be missed dearly.

Ken was born to Eulala and Jesse Flynt in Kernersville, North Carolina on June 13, 1948.  After graduating from East Forsyth High School, Ken went to Cullowhee, North Carolina and graduated Magna Cum Laude from Western Carolina University with a degree in Economics.  Always the student, Ken continued his education, earning a Masters of Economics degree from NC State University and completing post graduate work in Finance at MIT. 

Ken is survived by his beloved wife and sweetie of 31 years, Peggy Carroll Flynt; son, Geoff (Christy) Flynt; stepson, Jay (Jane) Hawkins; stepson, Matt (Penny) Hawkins; grandchildren, Jacob Flynt, Janie Hawkins, Preston Hawkins, Noah Hawkins, Jordie Hawkins and Millie Hawkins; niece, Lynn (Wil) Brisson; nephew, Richard G. (Mary) Flynt Jr. and numerous other family members, KA fraternity brothers, students, associates, and friends.

Preceding Ken in death were his father, Jesse Flynt, and mother, Eulala Flynt; son, Chadwick Manning Flynt; stepmother, Annie Flynt; brothers, Richard G. Flynt Sr. and Jerry Philip Flynt; sister-in-law, Mozelle Flynt.

Ken was a competitor, whether it was on the golf course, one of the many sporting courts, board games, or in cheering on his Celtics, Red Sox and Redskins. However, Ken’s passion was making a positive impact and he strove to use his skills, talents, and actions to drive that impact for the good.  We all take great comfort knowing that Ken’s legacy will continue to not only live on through family but also through the countless students, mentees, friends, and connections that he touched along the way. 

Ken spent over 40 successful years in business as a bank executive and entrepreneur, beginning his career with NCNB and serving as CEO or founder of four commercial banks, two mortgage banks and numerous other ventures across North Carolina.  Early on, Ken paused his career in banking to serve our state for the first time as Chief Economic Advisor to Governor James B. Hunt, Jr. during his first term.

Maybe his most joyous, and proud moments were serving as Associate Dean of the Business School and professor at his alma mater, Western Carolina University from 2008 to 2021.  Being able to provide students with the same opportunity he enjoyed continued to bring him great joy and pride in his final days.  In 2017, Ken was appointed to the North Carolina State Banking Commission by Governor Roy Cooper.

Following a move to Greensboro in 2020, Ken became active in advisory roles at both UNC Greensboro and Guilford College; culminating as the organizer of a Business Summit hosted by Guilford College in April, attracting a significant audience. 

His banking, business career and life of service took him throughout the state.  Ken always leveraged his own experiences and connections to seed growth for others.  Ken was well known for his passion, generosity, tenacity, and willingness to act.  He was involved in the communities where he lived and worked, including lead roles on Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club among others.  Additionally, Ken was an active member at Main Street Methodist Church in Kernersville, volunteered for the YMCA, Boy Scouts of America, and Junior Achievement.  His involvement in the community earned recognitions for his work.  Maybe his most meaningful award came recently when Governor Roy Cooper bestowed the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the highest civilian honor in the state of North Carolina, on Ken.   

Ken’s family wishes to express their love and gratitude to those who are also mourning.  The championing of people and causes is what made Ken accomplished as a family man, businessman and civic leader.  The family also wishes to extend special appreciation to Ken’s doctors, AuthoraCare for their comfort and care over the last few weeks, as well as the private nurses (Jessica, Sweta, Krishna, Chris, Judy and Christina) who treated Ken and our family with so much care, compassion and love during his final days.

Funeral Services will be conducted on Friday, June 23, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary of Main Street United Methodist Church in Kernersville, NC.  Burial will take place in Mt. Gur cemetery in Kernersville, NC following a reception at the church.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, June 22nd from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Pierce Jefferson Funeral Services Kernersville Chapel, 213 West Mountain Street, Kernersville, NC 27284 (336) 993-2121.

Furthering Ken’s support of students majoring in finance and in need of financial assistance, in lieu of flowers, the family has asked that memorial contributions be made to the Kenneth E. Flynt Endowed Scholarship Fund at Western Carolina University Foundation, One University Drive, 201 HFR Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 or visit https://www.givecampus.com/schools/WesternCarolinaUniversity/kenneth-e-flynt-endowed-scholarship.

Friends and family may offer online condolences at www.piercejeffersonfh.com